Tips for a Creative, Functional Pool Area

Who doesn't love a pool? Cool and refreshing during the warm weather months, pools are a natural focal point and gathering place for family and friends. But while pools are great for lounging and playing, they aren’t always the most aesthetically pleasing features in a yard. A plain concrete slab can be as uncomfortable to look at as it is to walk on with bare feet.

Integrate Your Pool into the Landscape

You don’t have to sacrifice landscape design for the sake of having a pool. There are many ways to integrate a pool into your yard that enhance its beauty, making the pool a delightful feature from both inside and outside.

Creative Pool Designs: Don’t want a traditional rectangular or kidney-shaped pool? Consider a pool designed as an architectural element, such as an extension of your home. Or create a pool that incorporates plant life as landscaping to soften edges and add reflective beauty to its waters.

Non-Traditional Locations: Pools don't have to be confined to the backyard. They can be located inside, at the edge of a property, or just a step down from inside the house. These unconventional placements can add a unique charm to your property.

Formal vs. Informal Styles: Pools can be as formal or informal as you’d like. Rectangular lines and formal architectural elements create a modern, clean feel, while curved lines and lots of foliage can evoke the serene atmosphere of a natural pond but without the mess.

Surrounding Your Pool

What surrounds your pool can be as important as the pool itself. Instead of a hot, dull concrete pad, consider:

Wood Decking: Beautiful, durable, and cool on the feet, wood decking can add a natural warmth to your pool area.

Pavers or Grass: These alternatives provide a cooler and more visually appealing surface.

Outdoor Furniture: Enhance the style of your pool area with outdoor furniture. Classic striped pool chairs or built-in benches on a wooden deck can add both comfort and style.

Maximizing Small Spaces

Think your yard is too small for a pool? There are many ways to incorporate a pool and deck into even a small yard. You'll be surprised at how spacious your area will feel with the right design elements.

Landscaping: Use plants, stepping stones, and even fountains to create a lush, inviting environment around your pool.

Lighting: Don’t forget about lighting for nighttime swimming or enjoying the pool after dark. Well-placed lights can create a magical ambiance and improve safety.

No matter the size or style of your house and yard, there is a pool design that can enhance your space. By integrating creative landscaping, thoughtful design elements, and functional features, you can create a pool area that is as beautiful as it is enjoyable. Dive into your dream pool and transform your yard into a refreshing oasis!